Betty Louise (Gold) Staal age 95, passed away August 9, 2024, at Crestview Care Center in Chadron, NE.
Betty was born June 27, 1929, in Burchard, NE to Carl and Vergie Gold. Betty attended Chadron High School with the class of 1948. Betty started working at an early age as a waitress, working in many of the cafes throughout Chadron. While working, she met her handsome sailor, Raymond Staal, who was home on leave from the Navy. Betty married Raymond ‘Bud’ Staal on October 7, 1946. They had two children, Dennis and Diana.
Betty worked for 15 years at Region 1 Office of Human Development as a direct support professional for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After retiring she worked for Chadron Schools food service and later for the Senior Center.
Betty was a member of many different clubs and organizations that took her throughout the country on many exciting adventures. She was a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary and B.P.O. Does. Through these organizations she held local, district, and state offices and attended many local, state and national conventions. She was also an avid volunteer and could be found serving the Chadron community in numerous activities. Betty and Bud were honored as RSVP volunteers of the year. Her most exciting memory was when she was selected as the 2018 Chadron Citizen of the Year. Her dedication to serving the community and ability to bring joy to others along with her willing, positive attitude and infectious smile earned her this award. She was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the Fur Trade Parade in 2018. She was a charter member of the Chadron Garden Club. Betty belonged to the First Baptist Church for over 80 years and regularly attended the Kenwood Chapel in Chadron. In her free time, Betty enjoyed spending time with her 5 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Her hobbies included dancing, sewing and hosting family
holiday dinners.
Survivors include children, Dennis Staal, of Aurora, CO and Diana Brost of Mullen, sister-in-law, Susan Gold of Council Bluffs, IA; 5 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren-David (Sarah) Staal; Lori Jensen (Chris Geary), Kaitlyn (Thomas) Kramer, Jason, Tyler and Carter; Suzann Staal, Breckyn and Kobie; Nick (Ashley) Brost, Quinn, Daniel, Parker and Henry; Kelli (Trent) Walz, Maci, Ava, Ella and Ryann; and numerous other family and friends.
Betty was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, Bud Staal, sisters and brothers- in-law Erma (Verne) Lewellen, Verna (Don) Lecher, Eloise (Jerry) Downey, Barbara (Roger) Hollrah, brother Larry Gold, stepbrother Bud Brooner, daughter-in-law Pam Staal and son-in-law Dan Brost.